Perry touts endorsements from activists

Republican Gov. Rick Perry's campaign said  two-thirds of the state's Republican Party executive committee is supporting him for re-election.

His campaign said Monday that 41 of the 62 committee members back him. They are powerful activists in the Texas GOP establishment.

Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison each are fighting to win over the party faithful in the March Republican primary.

The Perry campaign said two executive committee members supporting him -- James Barnes and Charlie Garza -- previously held leadership posts with Hutchison.

Perry spokesman Mark Miner said all of Perry's executive committee backers signed written statements of endorsement. Hutchison's campaign declined to comment.

New Texas Republican Party chair Cathie Adams also endorsed Perry before she was chosen to lead the party.